Dornier Do 24K X-1

Dornier Do 24K in Dutch Service

Dornier Do 24K in Dutch Service

Designed to a Royal Netherlands Navy requirement for a replacement of the Dornier Wals being used in the Dutch East Indies, the Dornier Do 24K first flew on 3 July 1937. The Netherlands planned to operate up to 90 Do 24K flying boats, however when Germany invaded in 1940, only 37 had been delivered to the East Indies. Remaining incomplete aircraft were finished for the Luftwaffe and used for air-sea rescue.

After the invasion of the Netherlands East Indies by Japan, six surviving aircraft were transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force, where they operated as transports until 1944.